Curry drove and converted an open layup, part of his 10 field goals and 26 points, delivered on a collection of smooth jumpers and drives.

Duke led 66-56. And Albany’s last gasp had been repelled.

Afterward, on the interview podium, Black and Iati called that the game’s defining sequence. Meanwhile, in the Duke locker room, Cook used “big” and Plumlee “huge” as descriptors.

“We need guys who are engaged,” Plumlee said, commending Curry’s alertness. “We can’t have guys going back early on defense. We can’t have guys leaking out on offense. We need more plays like that if we’re going to win games.

“If you just get after it, sometimes the aggressor comes out with it. So you’ve just got to make sure you’re putting yourself in those positions.”